Do your gums bleed when you brush them? Are your gums red and swollen? You may have gum disease. Dr. Aaron Barborka provides periodontal disease treatment in Winchester, VA. He works with patients to understand their symptoms and find the right solutions to eliminate pain and dysfunction.
Treating gum disease is part of our restorative dentistry services. When you restore your gum health, you can also restore your oral health.
How Does Gum Disease Develop?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, starts when bacteria build up along the gumline. This bacteria forms a sticky film on your teeth called plaque. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, the plaque can harden into tartar, which you can’t remove on your own.
As plaque and tartar build up, they begin to irritate your gums. When you brush, your gums may become red, swollen, or bleed. This early stage is called gingivitis. At this point, the damage can usually be reversed with good dental care.
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. This stage affects the deeper parts of your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. Over time, your gums can pull away from your teeth, and your teeth may become loose or even fall out.
The Signs of Gum Disease
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums
- Red and swollen gums
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Tender and inflamed gum tissue
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
Gum Disease Risk Factors
These risk factors can increase your chance of developing gum disease:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque can build up on your teeth and gums.
- Smoking or Using Tobacco: Smoking weakens your immune system and makes it harder for your gums to heal.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, especially if it’s not well-controlled, you may be more likely to get infections including gum disease.
- Family History: If your parents or siblings have had gum problems, you may have a higher chance of developing it, too.
- Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormones during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause can make gums more sensitive and more likely to become inflamed.
- Certain Medications: Some medicines can cause dry mouth or affect your gums, which may increase your risk.
- Poor Nutrition: Eating a lot of sugary snacks or not getting enough vitamins, especially vitamin C, can weaken your gums and immune system.
If you live with painful and bleeding gums, don’t wait for treatment. Call Dr. Barborka for a consultation. He’ll work with you to find the best gum treatment so you can feel more comfortable every day.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Winchester, MA
Dr. Barborka provides non-surgical gum disease treatment. If your gum disease is in the early or middle stages, we can often treat it right in our office without surgery. Surgery is usually only needed if the disease becomes advanced and other treatments don’t work. Dr. Barborka may recommend these treatments for patients with mild to moderate periodontitis:
Scaling and Root Planing
This deep cleaning treatment removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Dr. Barborka or a dental hygienist will use special tools to clean around the roots of your teeth. This helps smooth out the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to stick and grow. Scaling and root planing can reduce gum inflammation and allow your gums to heal and reattach to your teeth.
Antibiotics
Sometimes, bacteria in the gums are too deep to clean out with tools alone. In these cases, Dr. Barborka may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection. Antibiotics may come in the form of a pill or a special gel that is placed directly into the pockets between your teeth and gums. This helps kill harmful bacteria and supports the healing process.
Gum Disease Screening
Our office provides a periodontal screening at each dental visit to check the health of your gums. This screening helps catch early signs of gum disease before it becomes more serious.
Gum Probing
Dr. Barbroka or a dental hygienist will gently probe the gums using a special tool during the screening. This tool measures the space between your teeth and gums. Healthy gums fit tightly around your teeth, but if you have gum disease, you’ll have deeper gum pockets. The deeper the pocket, the more serious the gum disease may be.
Looking for Signs
Dr. Barbroka will also check for signs like bleeding, swelling, or redness. These can all be early warning signs of gum problems. Even if your teeth don’t hurt, these symptoms can be early signs of gum problems.
Getting a gum disease screening at every dental visit helps protect your oral health. If we find any problems, we can treat them early before they lead to pain, infection, or tooth loss.
How To Maintain Your Gum Health
After gum disease treatment in our Winchester office, you can keep your gums healthy in multiple ways:
Brush and Floss the Right Way
Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush gently along the gumline where bacteria can build up. Floss once a day to clean between your teeth. When you floss every day, you remove plaque and food that your toothbrush can’t reach. Good brushing and flossing habits keep harmful bacteria away and protect your gums.
Get Routine Deep Gum Cleanings
If you’ve had gum disease, Dr. Barborka may recommend special deep cleanings, also called periodontal maintenance, every few months. These cleanings remove plaque and tartar from under the gums to prevent the disease from returning. Regular visits help our dentist keep an eye on your gum health and treat any early signs of problems.
Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth. When these bacteria grow, they can lead to more plaque and gum problems. Try to limit sweets, soda, and sugary snacks. Instead, choose healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and water. Eating a balanced diet helps protect your teeth and gums.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease. It makes it harder for your gums to heal and fight off infection. If you smoke, quitting can make a big difference in your gum health. Talk to your doctor or our dentist about ways to quit and get support.
Schedule a Consultation
Get healthier gums when you visit our dentist. Call Dr. Barborka for a gum disease screening and routine periodontal disease treatment in Winchester, VA at 540-506-3267. You can also request an appointment at Peak Dental online.